Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy
What is Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy?
Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment designed for men experiencing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. This therapy uses steam (water vapour) to target and destroy excess prostate tissue responsible for urinary symptoms.
By reducing the size of the prostate, Rezūm™ therapy aims to relieve symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and other urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH, thus improving the quality of life.
When Is Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy Needed?
Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy is recommended for men with BPH who have not found sufficient relief from less invasive treatments. The specific scenarios where Rezūm™ might be needed include:
- Persistent Symptoms: When symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia continue despite lifestyle changes or medications.
- Severity of Symptoms: For men experiencing severe urinary symptoms that significantly affect the quality of life.
- Ineffectiveness of Medication: When medications fail to adequately control symptoms or cause undesirable side effects.
Benefits of Rezūm™ Therapy
Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy offers multiple benefits for BPH patients, presenting a compelling option for those seeking relief from urinary symptoms. The main advantages include:
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Minimally Invasive
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, Rezūm™ uses a natural substance (water vapour) to reduce prostate tissue, involving no incisions.
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Quick Recovery
Patients typically experience a faster recovery time than traditional surgery, with many returning to normal activities within a few days.
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Symptom Improvement
Patients often see a significant improvement in BPH symptoms, with benefits that can be sustained over time, although results may vary.
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Reduced Need For Medication
Many patients may reduce or eliminate their reliance on medications for urinary symptoms after treatment.
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Outpatient Procedure
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, which means hospital stays are generally not required.
Preparing For Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy
Preparation for Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy involves several important steps to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure:
- Medical Evaluation: Patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review and physical examination, to confirm BPH diagnosis and suitability for the therapy.
- Prostate Imaging: Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be conducted to assess the prostate’s size and shape.
- Medication Review: Review and adjust medications to minimise potential complications during the procedure.
- Fasting: Depending on anaesthesia requirements, patients may be required to fast for a certain period before the procedure.
Procedure For Rezūm™ Therapy
The Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy procedure is straightforward and typically completed within minutes, performed under local or general anaesthesia. Here are the key steps involved:
Anaesthesia
Administration of local or general anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Cystoscope Insertion
A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra to reach the prostate.
Water Vapour Delivery
Targeted water vapour is injected into the prostate tissue, where it condenses back into water, releasing thermal energy that destroys excess tissue.
Procedure Completion
The device and cystoscope are removed once the treatment is completed.
Potential Risks And Side Effects
Although Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy is generally safe, as with any medical procedure, it carries potential risks and side effects. These include:
- Urinary Symptoms: Temporary increased urgency, frequency, and discomfort during urination.
- Infection Risk: As with any procedure involving the urinary tract, there is a risk of infection.
- Blood In Urine: Patients may observe short-term blood in the urine following the procedure.
- Need For Retreatment: Some patients might require additional treatments if symptoms recur or do not sufficiently improve.
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Recovery And Post-Procedure Care
Recovery after Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy is relatively quick, with most patients resuming normal activities shortly after. Key aspects of post-procedure care include:
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Hydration
Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush the urinary system.
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Avoiding Strenuous Activity
Limiting physical activity for a short period to prevent complications.
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Monitoring Symptoms
Keeping an eye on urinary symptoms and any signs of infection.
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Follow-up Appointments
Attending scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and effectiveness of the treatment.
Dr Lee Fang Jann 
Dr Lee is a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon with a broad-based expertise of all urological disorders
He has subspecialty focus on men’s health and male infertility, and special interest in minimally invasive prostate enlargement therapy and kidney stone treatment. Dr Lee has received numerous awards for service excellence such as the Service With A Heart Award (2006-2008, 2011) and the Singapore Health Quality Service Award (2016).
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Singapore)
- Membership of The Royal College of Surgeons (Edin)
- Master of Medicine (Surgery) (Singapore)
- Fellowship of the Academy of Medicine (Urology)
- Clinical fellowship at Oxford Transplant Centre in the UK
Prior to entering private practice, Dr Lee served in the public sector for 16 years at SGH, where he initiated dedicated clinics evaluating and treating patients with complex men’s health and fertility issues. He also led the Renal Transplant Program and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy service as Surgical Director.
Apart from clinical work, Dr Lee is active in academia and believes in the importance of grooming the next generation of doctor. He was Senior Clinical Lecturer at NUS’ Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and currently, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School. Dr Lee is also regularly invited to share his experiences locally and regionally through lectures, workshops and surgical demonstrations.
Our Clinic Locations
Farrer Park Medical Centre, #08-05
1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am to 12:30pm
3 Mount Elizabeth, #11-16 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am to 12:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
The Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy procedure usually takes about 9 to 15 minutes to complete. This duration allows for precise treatment of the targeted prostate tissue.
What Is The Success Rate Of Rezūm™ Therapy?
Clinical studies indicate that most patients experience a significant improvement in BPH symptoms, usually observed within a few weeks post-procedure. Success rates vary, but many patients report satisfaction and symptom reduction.
Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects?
Long-term side effects following Rezūm™ therapy are uncommon. Most reported side effects resolve within a few weeks after the procedure, and ongoing studies continue to monitor long-term outcomes.
How Quickly Can I Expect Symptom Relief After The Procedure?
Patients often notice improvement in urinary symptoms as early as two weeks after the procedure. The full benefits are typically realised within three months, as the body naturally expels the treated tissue.
What Is the Typical Recovery Time After Rezūm™ Therapy?
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days following Rezūm™ Water Vapour Therapy. The general guideline is to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks to allow the body to heal correctly and prevent complications.